BGSU School of Built Environment students receive Kokosing-sponsored hard hats

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - As part of an ongoing partnership that has proved beneficial to both parties, Kokosing, Inc. recently reaffirmed its commitment to students at Bowling Green State University by sponsoring hard hats for all first-year students in the School of the Built Environment.

The sponsorship covered what is normally an out-of-pocket expense for students in the School of the Built Environment, which comprises students from the BGSU construction management and architecture and environmental design programs.

Students received their co-branded orange hard hats as part of their fall semester classes, yet another way the company has supported learning opportunities for BGSU students.

"Kokosing has been a tremendous partner for BGSU, and our consistent collaboration serves as an example of how higher education and industry working together closely can benefit everyone," School of the Built Environment Director Dr. Arsenio Rodrigues said.

"Kokosing has supported our students during the continued growth of the BGSU School of the Built Environment, allowing us to continue educating the next generation of architects and construction managers who will shape Ohio and our larger region."

Kokosing, headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, just outside of Columbus, is one of the largest family-owned construction companies in the Midwest and a silver-level partner with the University. It is among the 50 largest general contractors in the United States and has deep, enduring ties to BGSU.

Students in architecture and construction management complete paid co-ops as part of their coursework, and Kokosing has played host to student co-ops for almost 30 years, serving as a key step along the way for BGSU students to gain critical hands-on experience as part of their journey to graduation day.

Kokosing President/co-CEO Wm. Brett Burgett '01 is among the dozens of BGSU graduates who work full-time for the company, which in 2021 made a transformational gift to sponsor Kokosing Hall, the state-of-the-art home of the School of the Built Environment.

BGSU formally debuted the renovated building in 2023, a stunning, 22,900-square-foot facility that houses the School of the Built Environment - just part of the long-running connection between the entities that has proved mutually beneficial.

"The construction industry provides a rewarding career for the students in the School of the Built Environment," Burgett said. "We build the roads, bridges, water treatment plants, and also manufacturing, data centers and power generation facilities, which have a profound positive impact on our everyday lives and communities.

"Our continued partnership with BGSU and the future builders of United States infrastructure is our way to help the industry fill the needed talent pipeline."

By partnering with regional industry partners, the school is taking innovative steps to address workforce needs in key areas of the economy.

The BGSU Office of Corporate Partnerships fosters an entire ecosystem of engagement to align the University with the needs of industry.

Senior Director of the Office of Corporate Partnerships Kerry Spitze said Kokosing's partnership with BGSU is an example of how both entities working together benefits students.

"BGSU is deeply grateful for Kokosing's generous donation of hard hats, providing our first-year School of the Built Environment students with a meaningful first step into their program," Spitze said. "Beyond the practical value, this gift represents the kind of industry-university partnership that helps students connect classroom learning to real-world practice.

"It is a wonderful example of how our partners invest in student success while also strengthening the pipeline of future talent for the field."

The School of the Built Environment, which teaches architecture and construction management students under one roof, is the only school in Ohio to operate under the framework of educating students from the two programs together, just as they will collaborate regularly as professionals.

"Kokosing generously sponsoring hard hats for BGSU students is a shining example of how this continued partnership makes a difference," Rodrigues said. "We want BGSU students to go on to have great careers and great lives, and Kokosing has consistently demonstrated they share our vision."